China calls US hacking allegations 'groundless'

BEIJING (AP) — China has dismissed as "groundless" detailed allegations pointing to a Chinese military unit in Shanghai as the source of massive computer hacking of U.S. targets.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei was responding to a 60-page report by Internet security company Mandiant that said it traced 141 major hacking attempts to a People's Liberation Army building in Shanghai.

The report issued Tuesday says the attempts targeted 20 industries, including military contractors and companies with access to energy grids.

Questioned on the report, Hong said he doubted the evidence would withstand scrutiny. He said: "To make groundless accusations based on some rough material is neither responsible nor professional."

China has frequently been accused of hacking, but says it strictly outlaws the practice and says it is itself a victim of such crimes.